Looking to study in Europe without worrying about tuition or living expenses? There’s good news — European scholarships 2025 offer generous funding for non-EU international students across all disciplines. From full master’s programs to doctoral research grants, Europe continues to be a scholarship-friendly destination.
In this article, we cover the top scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year, including Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, and Chevening, among others. These scholarships are highly competitive but life-changing, covering tuition fees, travel costs, and even monthly stipends. Whether you’re applying for a master’s or PhD, this guide will help you identify the best funding opportunities and understand how to apply.
1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM)
Overview:
The Erasmus Mundus scholarship is one of the most prestigious and fully funded options for international students to study in Europe. It supports joint master’s programs across multiple universities in at least two different countries.
- Eligibility: Open to students from any country (non-EU highly prioritized)
- Funding Includes: Tuition fees, travel, insurance, monthly stipend (~€1,400)
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Application Period: October–January (varies by program)
- Website: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus
Why Apply?
You’ll study in multiple countries, gain dual or triple degrees, and build a global network — all fully funded.
2. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Overview:
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, particularly at the master’s and doctoral levels.
- Eligibility: Open to graduates from developing and transition countries (non-EU included)
- Funding Includes: Full tuition, monthly stipend (~€934 for master’s), travel allowance, and insurance
- Fields: Development, engineering, public policy, and more
- Application Deadline: Typically October–December
- Website: https://www.daad.de/en/
Why Apply?
Germany offers tuition-free education at most public universities, so with DAAD support, students can study and live almost completely free.
3. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom
Overview:
Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship program funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). It’s aimed at developing global leaders.
- Eligibility: Non-EU students from over 160 countries (1 year master’s programs)
- Funding Includes: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs, visa fees
- Focus Areas: Public policy, law, business, environment, tech
- Deadline: August–November annually
- Website: https://www.chevening.org/
Why Apply?
It’s not just a scholarship — Chevening alumni become part of a powerful professional network spanning more than 50,000 global leaders.
4. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – France
Overview:
Offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Scholarship targets top international master’s and PhD students.
- Eligibility: Non-EU students under 25 (master’s), under 30 (PhD)
- Funding Includes: Monthly stipend (€1,181–€1,700), travel, insurance
- Deadline: Typically around January via your chosen French university
- Website: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/eiffel-scholarship-program-of-excellence
Why Apply?
Ideal for students wanting to study at elite French institutions like Sciences Po, Sorbonne, or École Polytechnique.
5. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
Overview:
The SISGP program funds master’s students from select countries to study at Swedish universities.
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA countries (focus on leadership and sustainability)
- Funding Includes: Full tuition, monthly stipend (~SEK 11,000), travel grant
- Deadline: Typically February
- Website: https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/
Why Apply?
Sweden is a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and inclusive education — SISGP helps students thrive in that ecosystem.
6. VLIR-UOS Scholarships – Belgium
Overview:
These scholarships target students from developing countries to pursue master’s programs in Flanders.
- Eligibility: 31 eligible countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America
- Funding Includes: Tuition, accommodation, insurance, allowance, airfare
- Deadline: Program-specific, typically February–March
- Website: https://www.vliruos.be/
Why Apply?
Belgium offers top-tier education in development studies, food technology, and environmental science.
7. Holland Scholarship – Netherlands
Overview:
Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, the Holland Scholarship is a one-time grant for first-year non-EU master’s or bachelor’s students.
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students applying to Dutch universities
- Funding: €5,000 grant (not renewable)
- Deadline: Typically February–May
- Website: https://www.studyinholland.nl/
Why Apply?
Though it’s partial, many institutions pair this with additional scholarships, reducing overall costs significantly.
8. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
Overview:
Ireland’s government offers 60+ scholarships annually to non-EU students for master’s and PhD programs.
- Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA students with academic excellence
- Funding Includes: Full tuition and €10,000 living allowance
- Deadline: March annually
- Website: https://hea.ie/
Why Apply?
Ireland is home to globally recognized tech and pharma industries — this scholarship boosts both academic and career opportunities.
9. Hungarian Stipendium Hungaricum
Overview:
Offered by the Hungarian government, this program supports thousands of students in full-degree studies at Hungarian universities.
- Eligibility: Non-EU countries with a valid nomination from your country
- Funding Includes: Tuition, dormitory, medical insurance, monthly stipend
- Deadline: January
- Website: https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu/
Why Apply?
A great option for fully funded study in a lower-cost EU country with a strong academic network.
10. ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship – Switzerland
Overview:
Although not in the EU, ETH Zurich (one of Europe’s highest-ranked universities) offers merit-based full scholarships for non-EU students.
- Funding Includes: Full tuition, living costs (~CHF 12,000/year)
- Deadline: December
- Website: https://ethz.ch/en.html
Why Apply?
Switzerland offers elite research facilities and a high quality of life — ideal for science and engineering students.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a non-EU international student planning to study in Europe, these European scholarships 2025 offer life-changing financial support. From fully funded master’s degrees to research fellowships, programs like Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, and Chevening eliminate the financial barrier to world-class education.
Start preparing early, polish your motivation letters, and ensure you meet eligibility criteria. Scholarships in Europe are not just about academics — they reward leadership, impact, and global perspective. Apply wisely and unlock your future.
